Last weekend, Christie and the boys and I visited Washington DC courtesy of an incredible organization: Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation
My oncologist referred us to them, and we were soon contacted by Kerry McGavin to help us make arrangements. Kerry is a perfect representative of the organization — cheerful, caring and a logistical wizard.
This is how JAJF describes its mission: t
Treating families to WOW! Experiences, giving children who will lose their Mom or Dad to cancer a timeout to create indispensable memories as a family…while they can.
The Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation (JAJF) is a national 501(c)(3) public charity, operating with the support of our generous donors, corporate partners and oncologists. Since 2006, JAJF has been treating children facing the imminent loss of their Mom or Dad to cancer to WOW! Experiences—a timeout to create positive, cherished memories at beautiful destinations.
JAJF Mantras
Our team along with our families, friends, oncologists and corporate WOW! Partners believe in JAJF’s mantras:
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- Treating the families; not the cancer®
- WOW! Experience!®
- The Best Part of Memories is Making Them®
- Memories become our greatest inheritance®
- The POWER of WOW!
When a parent is diagnosed with late-stage cancer, a family’s world is immediately turned upside down. JAJF’s Oncology Coalition Partners across the United States prescribe families WOW! Experiences as part of the treatment protocol for the patient, spouse and children in an extraordinary process. Our foundation helps families strictly from our oncologists’ referrals.
JAJF understands the power of travel and the importance of creating lasting, cherished memories. Our supporters—individual financial donors, corporate WOW! Partners, and investors—make WOW! Experiences possible. Learn more about how you can make a difference for a late stage family by joining the WOW! Society.
The weekend trip (there was no school for the boys on Friday and Monday so it was a 4 day weekend) was absolutely a WOW experience. We had a choice of a number of cities we could visit and chose DC because the boys have never been and my cousin (the one I talk about in the Afterword of the paperback edition of A Billion Years) lives nearby and we wanted to visit with his family.
One of the JAJF partners is the Four Seasons hotel in DC. We didn’t know until after we had designated DC as our destination where we would be staying. It was a surprise to learn it would be the Four Seasons, and somewhat ironic as I had spent many nights there when we hired Hill & Knowlton PR firm back in the 80’s which is just a few hundred yards away, and then when visiting the IRS as part of the tax exemption process.
We were treated like VIPs by everyone at this wonderful hotel — from the Manager who was waiting to greet us, to the Concierges who took care of any need or request, to the restaurant Maître’D, waiters and chefs to the housekeepers. They were all incredible and made for a memorable experience. We stayed in adjoining suites, and when we arrived in our rooms, this cake, along with a note from the manager was waiting for us:
As a note, I had mentioned nothing about my book or my life to the people at the hotel.
We visited the White House:
The Air and Space Museum:
The Natural History Museum:
As a note — their fossil/dinosaur exhibit is enormous and probably unmatched anywhere in the world.
The Museum of American History:
This train, inside the building, stands about 15′ high — had no idea how big these things were.
The Spy Museum:
The hotel arranged for dinner at Martin’s Tavern, a famous restaurant in Georgetown where many Presidents have eaten and where JFK proposed to Jackie.
In fact, they set it up for us to sit in that exact (and highly coveted) booth:
You can see the plaque at the back if you zoom in on the photo.
The hotel scheduled a nighttime guided tour (with an astonishingly knowledgeable tour guide) of DC’s monuments:
The Capitol building is spectacular at night
Home of the Supremes
Library of Congress
The Jefferson Memorial — this man owned and read 10,000 books in 8 languages
Outside the Jefferson Memorial — it is a straight line between it, the Washington Monument and the White House
The Lincoln Memorial — most impressive of them all
There is still SO much more to see and learn about in DC — we have a list for our next visit.
Finally, we visited with my cousin, his wife, two of his four children (and their husbands) and two of his eight grandchildren:
This weekend accomplished, in spades, exactly what the purpose of the Foundation describes. We created memories and didn’t think about any problems. It was fabulous and revitalizing and I cannot thank the people involved enough.
DC is a wonderful place to visit! We took a trip through there when our kids were about the same age as yours and that was a perfect time for it. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I have stage 4 breast cancer, so really appreciate you lifting up this nonprofit. I am quite sad, however, that this could mean your cancer journey has taken an unwelcome turn. I was among the many who made financial contributions to support your care. Please let us know if it is needed again.
Thank you, sorry to hear of your diagnosis.
My original diagnosis was stage 4 because the cancer is esophageal, but there are also cancer cells in the fluid in my lungs. By definition that means Stage 4.
My condition has not worsened since the original diagnosis. The drug I am on is working, nothing has spread and in fact less cancer showed up on my last PET scan.
I’m so so glad to hear that! Your work is not done my guy- so drink your water, put your trainers on and soak up some of that sunshine and love on that beautiful family!
J Holliday- I’m just over a year out (dec 16) – I hope you have a lot of love and support around you too!
So glad you enjoyed DC! Growing up in Baltimore we went there every years on school trips, so I always took it for granted – it is less than an hour drive from here (if traffic is good and it never is eh).
Great pics; TY for showing me DC thru new eyes. Be well.
HDear Mike and Christie,
What a wonderful booster for you and the boys. Just the right tonic. I know you know what you are doing but please don’t give the nasties any airing time. Know you have battalions of well-wishers and moral and spiritual followers. Lots of love to you both and your families. Love Anna from Perth.
Hi Anna
When you look behind all the small new sptv channels, you see how many big tv shows, big podcasts, and general press connections, Mike has taken his expertise to, alongside FBI and police help.
This is not including his own blog and channel, plus the Aftermath. I live in scandinavia, where I first saw Mike, with John Sweeney, both programs,
I support Mike, and have done so for a long time. I believe that many many people support his fights too.
Kind regards Kim
Mike I am glad you had such a wonderful trip with loved ones. In this ex-SCN world and Youtube world it can get hairy.
Here is what I know to be true:
1. People were abused in SCN, we all were. We all have trauma and were all conned. Some experienced physical, mental and sexual trauma.
2. You have completed your amends project in spades and are genuinely a good person.
3. You could have walked away with cash a la Marty Rathbun but chose to take the high road.
4. You cannot fix or help everyone.
5. You are not perfect — what a revelation!
You are doing the best you can to repair past errors and relationships. Please carry on.
You are important. You made mistakes. You are doing your best.
What a great trip and so many memories for you and your family! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Hi Mike and Christy and your lovely family…It is wonderful for us all to see you having a great time w Christy n the kids. DC is such a fun place to visit and there is so much history!
You are such an inspiration on how to overcome and how to live your best life.
You’re a great person. A great father and husband and an important figure in the change of all of the worlds view on Scientology
Thank you 😊 💜
—Susan
Wow, what a wonderful treat for you and your family! Thanks for sharing it with all of us.
I think you guys are da bomb <3
XOX,
Syd
Off-topic, but I’ve been meaning to ask for awhile: Having escaped the cult and its clutches, what are your current thoughts about life after death? More specifically, do you believe in any sort of spiritual continuity after death? Or does this seem more pie in the sky than anything else? I ask only because I always wonder what different people believe after buying into a certain belief system for so many years.
I believe there is more to life than the physical embodiment. There is a spiritual component. Does it go on beyond this life? I don’t know of course, but tend towards yes being the answer rather than no.
I so appreciate your openness in this response. I’d respect your answer in any case, but I think the journey from Scientology to I “tend towards yes” is a considerable thing. Blessings on the journey to you & yours.
I was only reading something recently concerning antiquity and artifacts/antiques that made reference to a reason for the religious cross. It signifies the crossing or meeting place of the spiritual and the physical planes. They go in two different directions and at their meeting is life. Since the cross was used even before Christ it sure follows logically that they are two separate things. But sure get a mite confused together as to origin.
I think its folly to insist or believe completely that it’s all over at body death, ie zip, nada, nix. But believing so sure has been weaponized as a control mechanism.
This looks and sounds like this was an amazing trip, and experience for you and your beautiful family. You look great! Christie is beautiful as always! The boys look great as well. I hope you are doing well, sending positivity to you and your family!
Fabulous trip! WOW is that amazing. So happy for the memories. ♥️ family is everything!. Love you all ❣️
Mike,
You need to watch Kelli Copter’s video. You need to start listening.
Dumping all of the information you did on that post and then disappearing into your blog world where only praise for you is allowed to be posted, isn’t the answer.
We are not OSA. Stop gaslighting those of us who disagree with you by saying that we are. Or that we are only upset because of OSA’s influence.
This is the outside world. Many of us are never-ins. Trust us. The way the Aftermath board functions is not the way we run non-profits.
It is time for you to put the foundation above your ego. Please resign to save the Aftermath Foundation. Repair your relationship with all of us who feel let down by you. You were our hero. You can still be again.
Please watch Kelli Copter’s video. She loves you. We are not out to get you. We want you back. But not on the Aftermath Foundation board.
Rachel,
I am making an exception and responding to this here because of your somewhat polite tone.
You need to watch Kelli Copter’s video. You need to start listening.
Kelli wrote to the Aftermath Foundation about her concerns. I responded to her directly and privately with the facts. She never answered. Rather, she put up a YouTube video. Why? For clicks? Because she thinks I am going to watch her talk about me when she knows nothing about me, has never met me, has no shared history of experience? If she is genuinely concerned about something, she can write to me. When she did, I responded and she ignored the information I responded with and certainly didn’t refute any of it. If, as you say, Kelli Copter really “loved me” she would email me in private about her concerns, not try to cash in with a YouTube video.
Stop gaslighting those of us who disagree with you
When have I ever said you were OSA? I specifically said you are NOT in the post about Mirriam that you seem to be writing about. Please read it.
The way the Aftermath board functions is not the way we run non-profits.
Do you run a non-profit? Which one? How do you run it? I would be very interested to hear.
You are right, the Aftermath Foundation is not like other non-profits I am involved in either (I am on the Board of ChildUSA). Finding people willing to be in the cross-hairs of scientology by being on the board of AF is tough — unless you are ALREADY on their hit list. Are you willing to join the Board of the AF?
It is time for you to put the foundation above your ego.
There has been no upside to being on this board — it has cost a lot of time, I have not made a cent from it, I have never used it in any effort to promote myself or make money, it has just ended up with a lot of vicious hate for trying to help people who were in a similar position to that where I found myself when I escaped the Sea Org. Certainly the gratitude of the people we have helped has been a great reward. There are many more of them (and they for the most part remain anonymous) than the few we have helped who have then turned around and attacked us on YouTube. But this is hardly an “ego” issue.
Too many people see a video on YouTube and think they understand everything. And think they have a right to demand I do something, respond to their assertions and questions, or act in a certain way because they “know” what I should be doing in my life. When that turned into a constant barrage of demands, accusations and/or pure hate, I chose to spend my time doing things that I consider more useful and healthier.
If you would like to put your shoulder to the wheel and join the Board of the AF, please let me know.
So many of us believe you and hope you get better! I’m shocked at the terrible behavior of people with all these hate videos, who think they know what is going on in your life. Please don’t feel it necessary to answer to these people, it doesn’t matter what you say they will twist your words.
Thanks Kirsty
For standing up, for logic, and truth. I could not watch the kelli copter video, I watched the beginning, and heard her insult Alex. Mike’s total work, involving millions of people, hearing about the anti scientology message, is world class. Grown ups running around with cameras, whilst yelling, into empty space, is without class, if you ask me. I could write half a book, about the bald clown, and his people, but I will not use hate, as an argument, there is no talking to this crew. In the future people Will look back, at this period with Shame. How Youtube allows the hate, I can’t grasp. Kind regards to all Kim
Perhaps the timing could have been better given the wonderful photos and commentary on the trip but I’m glad Mike responded. And I don’t think it would hurt to watch the entire video as it’s really not hateful
This hate and vitriol against a trauma survivor, a warrior who was a main whistleblower for the cults misdeeds and current cancer patient is reprehensible and should go back to the cesspool of social media away from this positive and beautiful blog post! 🩷
I wish there were upvote icons so I could upvote your comment. So many people, many of them never-ins, are doing you tube videos about Scn, you and the board, Danny Masterson, and the reason is for subscriptions. My understanding is that after you get so many subscriptions then you can get paid advertising and also people giving you donations. And from what I read, you can make a lot of money doing you tube videos. So I think they have their own specious reasons for attacking you and others, but above all else, it is a money grab to get subscriptions and money.
You are correct.
ASL has created a cottage industry. He tells people they can make $20 – 40k per month (he is making a lot more than that, to hey are making a lot less). He has them on his YouTube channel and tells his subscribers to subscribe to their channel. They get almost instant ability to make money and feel indebted to him and want to be in good with him or he will tell people to unsubscribe.
Wow. It goes deeper than I thought. Down the rabbit hole to see who is making money and how, and their motivations to keep in good graces of the person who made it possible for them to make money on you tube. Ugh.
Hi
I am a digital marketer,
Lets take an example; Liz Gale was on ASL’s channel, got some subscribers, she got watch time, and was monetized.
At first nothing wrong with this.
Problem here is that after her appearance on ASL channel, she had very few views, compared to subscribers. Her content was not very good either, but thats a side issue.
Liz Gale then hopped on the MR hate train. She did two things that got her many more views; she used the keyword Mike Rinder, and started livestreaming protests.
Then Youtube saw that viewers, watch time, engagement looked like the subscribers she got from ASL. Youtube promoted her content, to a wider audience.
Would I betray someone, for the clicks and money, not in a billion years. I have nothing personally against Liz Gale, but she is an example of the ASL satelite channels. And yes going against ASL, at this point, would be problematic, same with Kelli Copter.
Interestingly enough, when she does not use MR keyword, and runs around with ASL, her views goes down to previous low points. So yeah Mike is right here.
At some point these channels will have nothing interesting to talk about, but it is taking longer than I expected.
This is probably the last comment I make, on the subject, so I might as well say that ASLs 5 videos he made with Mike Rinder, are the best I have seen by him, and probably got his channel bumped upwards, when he was smaller.
Kind regards Kim
Sounds like he created a new MLM called SPTV.
Exaggerated income claims, creating a ‘buy in’ and emotional investment to keep honouring the ‘brand’ and the product/service is YouTube. Plus they seem to be recruiting as well, more and more pop up, and now Mirriam has started a channel. It’s not a good idea as it could harm her case. I hope her lawyers have let her know this.
Mike, I hope you’re keeping well and that you can enjoy more of these wonderful weekends with your family.
It’s despicable how they target you knowing full well that you’re having to fight this fight with cancer.
Sending you strength and healing ❤️🩹
Marilyn — I have responded to your comment by email. Mike
Thanks Mike, I checked in both my inbox and spam and don’t see it. I hope I didn’t misspell my email.
I sent it to the email you listed to post this comment. I dont know if it is spelled right or not.
I just found it, thank you. It had gone into spam.
You’re not gonna place this, I know.
I really loved watching and listening to you (and Leah among others) over the last couple of years fighting for survivors and people still in Scientology. And now this bitterness (after your illness?).
You made a grand statement about leaving social media and now you go into hiding on your blog where you moderate all criticism out.
This is not ok Mike.
You seem a bit paranoïd and bitter after your illness and is it possible your OSA is showing because of the stress (maybe look up info about cortisol)? This is meant as a genuine question.
Your a boardmember of the AF. You can’t express yourself like this.
How do you think this affects the PR for the AF ?
Apparently for many this all is very strange and indeed very dissapointing.
You made a grand statement about leaving social media and now you go into hiding on your blog where you moderate all criticism out.
This is not ok Mike.
I am “hiding” on my blog? Seriously?
Why should I give a platform to anyone on MY blog to spread their conspiracy theories about the AF? There are PLENTY of places where you can post your criticisms and be fawned over for doing so…
You seem think I have an obligation to behave in a certain way because you think it’s strange to do otherwise?
You need glasses mate, Mike looks happy…
I really just think you need glasses…Pea, Mike looks happy…
And for many- the behavior and betrayal being dumped on Mike’s doorstep is very disappointing. I expected it from Aaron- he’s a content creator not an advocate & knew he would have his inner circle following behind. He’s doing his darndest to usurp what Will has going on-his ego can’t take it that they are making progress without him. And I like Aaron – as an entertainer – I could never take him seriously after all of this. And that Rabbit girl is a good business woman – she jumped in with both feet without any care in the world about the plight of Scientologists until an opportunity presented itself.
I am sad to see others that I didn’t see as belonging in the same bucket with them and that I honestly believed they were very good, bright, people- jumping on the bandwagon.
Mike looks great. He sound fantastic. He’s spending time with his beautiful family and getting well. And I would bet my right arm – he’s continuing to fight the problem the way he has for, you know decades. He doesn’t need an audience for that. He’s done it when it was hard, he’s done it when it was dangerous, he’s lost friend ms and family in this fight.
Since we are giving advice here PEA, I think you should evaluate what’s going on in your world and how entitled and self indulgent you are to come into the man’s blog and purport to have any idea what’s best for him or his family. Take your rhetoric back where you found it- and I’m sure you’ll be adored and celebrated for your attempts! It’s a big world out there.
Since you and Mark Pesch both have offered for others to serve on the board, I am writing to tell you that I am willing to volunteer. I have been a licensed attorney for over 20 years and currently work with traumatized children and adults. Let me know.
PS- I also currently have cancer.
Thank you for your kind offer. Will be reaching out to you via email
Wow ! What a amazing program !!! I’m so happy you guys had a such a great trip and thanks for sharing your experience. You all deserved a wonderful experience and trip like this !
I don’t know what you’re condition is. But from what I saw on your plate there’s a good chance you’re feeding the cancer.
I won’t go into a long thing here, but I would highly recommend just checking into a place called “True North Health Center”. It’s run by real Dr’s.
Many cancer patience utilize fasting along with chemo. When fasting your body lives on it’s reserves for a while. It feeds on the least important tissues first before it starts starving. Autolysis of these cancer cells can occur very quickly. But there’s more to it then that.
At the very least it’s really important not to have your diet contribute to the cancer.
Just look into True North Health Center. Couldn’t hurt
Try sending a private DM if you are truly concerned. This post was about an amazing trip he shared with his family. He is highlighting and organization that supports and builds úp cancer families.
My daughter was told by a doctor, it was her fault she had stage 4 lymphoma at the age of 20 because she wasn’t vegan. What a cruel thing to say to a kid.
Anyway, if you actually care, tell him privately and let him celebrate these good times with his family
I absolutely agree. These types of sarcastic remarks, are getting old.
Where is the True North cancer center located please?
TrueNorth health center Santa Rosa Calif.
Hi Mike, thank you for sharing these beautiful photos – it fills my heart. Thinking of you and sending so much love to you and the family xxx
What a wonderful experience for your family! God bless you all!
Mike, this makes me happy and breaks my heart at the same time. You look handsome and healthy! Christie is so pretty! The kids look healthy, handsome and happy. Lovely family , wonderful pictures – please keep doing whatever you are doing. Love, laugh and live. You’ll outlast us all, Mike!
Sounds like the trip of a lifetime! You’re a great husband and father, Mike. Love and blessings to you and yours. May you all live long and prosper.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip. I love seeing the smiles.
What a beautiful, moving travelogue and memory book this post is! Great photos, by the way!
Love to you all,
Ann
So glad you and the family could have such a nice trip/vacation/adventure. Imagine if you were still in $ci. what you would have done that weekend instead and just how miserable the comparison would be.
I do find it worrisome (are you dropping us a hint?) that the sponsoring organization is Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation.
Wishing you and yours good health.
I think Mike mentioned in a live stream or a previous post that it was advanced esophageal cancer, (a late form of cancer). I think that may be why that Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation is the foundation is of importance in this post, as well as its mission without it being worrisome. With what Mike and his family has gone through this past year, it makes since why he would support and go to this foundation.
Thanks. I have Stage 4 esophageal cancer. The Jack & Jill Foundation ONLY takes referrals from oncologists. They have a network of referring physicians which you can see on their website.
Yes it makes sense. And it also makes sense why he would cut ties with making you tube videos. No sense paying attention to the dogs barking at the wheels of a fire truck on the way to a fire.
Yes well said Cindy.
It has been an emotional roller coaster, the last months. I have been very afraid, angry, sad, and irritated by the lack of compassion, for Mike, and Clair too. I am at a poit, where I think new sptv, is hurting itself.
I think Marc said it best, in one of the recent spy file videos. If someone is fighting COS, and someone is attacking him, I would’nt take it too seriously. He had seen it all before. And it is the Rathburn situation all over again (ASL) Something along those lines.
Well I hope we are many, who focus on the beautiful in life, like the great pictures, in this post. Kind regards Kim
Beautiful memories and handsome families. Thank you for sharing your weekend.
D.C. is a great place to make memories! I have taken my boys twice and each time it was amazing! They loved the Smithsonian Museums! So happy you had this blessing with your boys! A trip they will remember forever!
Thanks for sharing those great shots! Any plans for your next adventure? BIG hugs!!!!!!
So happy for you and your family. Hugs all around. You are a special person and really deserve this with the boys.
Wonderful to read about this Mike! So grateful you were able to share this experience with your beautiful family. You are creating memories that will be cherished and shared by your kids to their kids and on. This is one of the most important legacies we can leave for our loved ones. I’m a fellow cancer patient – thankfully in remission right now. Keep fighting the good fight in ALL you do!
What an amazing experience for your family. It looks like you had a wonderful time.
So glad you enjoyed our corner of the world! DC has so much to offer for families, and the Four Seasons rocks! You deserve the best – glad you got it! Hugs to all of you!
Oh Mike! I’m so so happy you had an amazing trip with the fam- you were right in my neck of the woods (Northern Va). It must have been surreal to see it through a totally different lens than previous trips! What an amazing gift of amazing memories the foundation was able to provide! I cannot get over how big the boys are- especially J! And Christie is as beautiful as ever! My heart aches for you all that this is even part of your world- but there are some amazing people in this world just waiting for an opportunity to help another – which is so good to remember for us all! Huge blah blah hugs to each of you! (Salty Beach Girl)
What a wonderful experience for you and your family. Memories like this will last a lifetime. Sending so much love and positivity to you all.
What an amazing experience for your family! So happy you were able to do that together.
So happy that you and the family were able to have a great trip and just enjoy yourself ❤️
What an awesome and informative experience. Thanks for sharing !
Looks like you had an amazing time. Your children are growing so fast, the oldest will be taller than you soon. This is the way your life should be, relaxed and enjoying time with the people you love. Thank you for all you do for others. I hope you are feeling well, you look great.
Wonderful! Making memories like these is so incredibly valuable. I’m so glad you and your family had this opportunity.
It looks like a fabulous time was enjoyed by all. I’m so happy that you had the opportunity to make those memories. We’ve always enjoyed visiting the Smithsonian museums. If any of your readers are interested, there are many other fabulous similar programs for families living with a late stage diagnosis to apply for. If I’m not overstepping, I would like to share a link with a list of possibilities: https://cancercarenews.com/more-cancer-freebies/wishes/
I am so happy for you that you have been making wonderful memories as a family. Perhaps a trip to Australia should be on the cards for you all also!😊🇦🇺
Hi Mike
A little dark scandinavian humor; For the last months, I have felt sorry for scientology, with all these horrible people, running around their premises, filled with hate thats how ugly new sptv has been. As a fan of yours, it has been really strange, to see sptv youtube channels, side by side with scientology channels, all critizing you.
The best answer; Living well (great pictures thx) I respect all your work, and find you, your family, including Marc and Claire, amazing comeback kids. So glad to see you happy. With kind regards
Kim
Wow. What a wonderful time of entertainment and enlightenment, sprinkled with the Love of Family and a love from those who care. So happy for you and yours Mike. You deserve what seems like a perfect few days.
Hope you get a lot more of this.
I’m so glad you had a great family weekend in DC. I’m thinking good thoughts for you as you battle cancer.